AGP Executive Report

Data Center Power Costs: Oregon’s Public Utility Commission approved a new rate class for data centers and crypto mining operations at 20MW+, forcing them to pay the full cost of grid upgrades and requiring long-term utility contracts to reduce “stranded asset” risk; rates are set to take effect June 10, with Portland General Electric filing a pricing framework by June 3, and the order also adds renewable power requirements before facilities come online plus exit fees for early abandonment. Oregon Politics: The Oregon GOP gubernatorial primary is now settled—Rep. Ed Diehl conceded to Sen. Christine Drazan, setting up a November rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek. Courts & Voting: A federal judge in Wisconsin dismissed a Trump administration bid to force release of unredacted statewide voter files, a win for voter privacy and a rebuke of federal overreach. Environment & Land Use: A federal judge temporarily halted a Douglas County logging plan after environmental groups challenged how older-forest impacts were handled.

Tribal Land Buyback: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe says it has purchased nearly 43,000 acres of timberland from Stimson Lumber, completing a land-recovery push meant to restore reservation losses from the late 1800s. The tribe says it used 100% tribal funds and has now acquired about 90,000 acres over 15 years. Oregon Primary Fallout: In Washington County, two Democratic races are still too close to call—Senate District 15 and House District 27—after late ballot shifts. Central Oregon Results: Deschutes County races are mostly decided, but two commission seats head to November runoffs. Public Safety: Salem police are searching for a suspect after a 17-year-old was shot; and Jacksonville reported a cougar sighting near Rich Gulch/Britt Gardens. Education Fight: Oregon AG Nessel and Whitmer joined a lawsuit challenging a federal student-loan rule that limits access for many professional degree programs. Statewide Politics: Oregon voters crushed Measure 120, rejecting gas tax and fee hikes by more than 82%.

Oregon GOP Governor Race: Christine Drazan is projected to win the Republican nomination and will face Gov. Tina Kotek in November after Tuesday’s primary results. Metro Power Shift: Juan Carlos Gonzalez was elected Metro Council president, becoming Metro’s youngest president and first person of color in the role, with a June 2 appointment expected. Voter Data Fight: The Ninth Circuit heard arguments over whether the Trump administration can access sensitive voter-roll data from states like California and Oregon. Transportation Funding Rebuff: Oregon voters soundly rejected Measure 120, a package of gas tax and fee hikes aimed at fixing road funding gaps. Military Retiree Rankings: WalletHub’s report put Oregon last for military retiree-friendliness, while South Carolina topped the list. Local Environment: Lane County voters rejected a “watershed bill of rights” initiative, and advocates are weighing legal action over Oregon’s new general CAFO permit.

Oregon Governor Race Locked In: Tina Kotek cruised to the Democratic nomination, while Republican Sen. Christine Drazan won her party’s nod—setting up a rematch in November. Gas Prices & Voter Mood: Oregon voters also rejected Measure 120’s gas tax and fee hikes in early returns, a sign of how hard affordability is hitting at the pump and at the ballot box. Local Elections Watch: In Morrow County, incumbents held early leads in commissioner races; in Washington County, several contests are headed to runoffs, including a razor-thin District 4 chair-slot fight. Congress Primaries: Oregon’s incumbents generally led early, including Rep. Val Hoyle, who is headed for another November matchup. National Politics Spillover: Trump-backed Ed Gallrein ousted Thomas Massie in Kentucky, underscoring how much GOP primaries are being shaped by loyalty tests. Courts & Voting: A federal appeals panel pressed DOJ over a push for sensitive voter-roll data from states like California and Oregon.

Oregon Primary Day: Oregon voters have until 8 p.m. to drop ballots in official drop boxes (and if you’re in line at 8, you can still submit). Local Governance: Columbia County is changing jail intake rules to align with Oregon’s sanctuary law—ending the “illegal” checkbox and stopping certain holds for U.S. Marshals tied only to federal immigration charges. Legal Fight Over Student Aid: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule they say unlawfully narrows “professional degree” programs, potentially cutting access to federal student loans for fields like healthcare. Environment & Energy: A federal judge blocked a Southern Oregon logging plan, saying BLM didn’t properly account for protected old-growth trees. Transportation: Boutique Air will keep its Essential Air Service flights between Pendleton and Portland, though a separate federal civil case continues. National Politics: Across six states, Tuesday primaries are a fresh test of Trump’s influence over Republican voters.

Primary Countdown: Oregon’s May 19 primary is in the final stretch, with voters rushing to submit last-minute ballots and turnout lagging in some counties like Umatilla (under 18% as of Monday morning). Measure 120 Gas Tax Fight: The big statewide referendum asks voters to repeal last year’s transportation funding law that raises the gas tax and fees—set against Iran-war-driven pump price spikes. Governor’s Race on Both Sides: Gov. Tina Kotek faces a crowded Democratic field, while Republicans are choosing a nominee from a packed slate that includes Christine Drazan, Ed Diehl, and Chris Dudley. Election Security Push: Oregon’s top election officials are set to hold an Election Protection press conference Tuesday, laying out steps to keep ballots secure and legal challenges handled. Housing Authority Reset: Home Forward’s interim leadership is promising a “reset” after controversy over vacancies, safety complaints, and CEO travel spending.

Oregon Election Countdown: With May 19 primaries looming across six states, Oregon’s ballot fight is getting loud—Christine Drazan is urging voters to drop ballots now, while election coverage points to a packed week where turnout and messaging could decide key races. Courts & Policy: Oregon’s Supreme Court upheld a flavored tobacco ban, and the state is also in the middle of a high-stakes sports contract dispute—suing former Ducks defensive back Dakoda Fields over an unpaid NIL buyout. Public Safety: Lane County is doubling fines on Marcola and Clear Lake roads for two years under “Safety Corridor” rules aimed at speeding and impaired driving. Health & Rights: Foster Care Month spotlights ODHS efforts to recruit resource families, while Oregon’s broader health policy debate continues as other states’ courts weigh in on gender-affirming care. National Politics: In Washington, the Senate parliamentarian dealt a procedural blow to GOP plans to fast-track $1B in White House ballroom security funding. Obituaries: Helen “Scotty” Moorman, a public defender and founder of a women’s shelter, died at 85.

White House Security Funding Blocked: The Senate parliamentarian ruled that a $1 billion Secret Service package tied to Trump’s White House ballroom is too broad for the GOP’s narrow budget bill, forcing Republicans to redraw or pursue harder standalone paths. Oregon Courts & Campaigns: Oregon sued former football player Dakoda Fields over a settlement payment dispute, while GOP gubernatorial candidate Ed Diehl kept up grassroots event messaging and landed an endorsement from Will Lathrop. Food Safety: The FDA warned four firms in California and Oregon over Listeria and sanitation/HACCP failures. Digital Divide Angle: A Missouri broadband report highlights hundreds of thousands of unserved/underserved locations—fueling demand for satellite and networking providers. Local Life: Late-start school logistics and a Warm Springs Tribal Council agenda item set the tone for Monday community updates. Also Noted: A California judge ordered Kars4Kids to stop airing its ads unless it discloses its Orthodox Jewish funding mission.

White House Ballroom Funding Blocked: The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that Trump’s proposed White House ballroom money can’t ride along in the immigration-related budget reconciliation bill, forcing Republicans to redraw and repackage the plan—again—after Democrats objected and the “fast-track” path got shut. Oregon Legal Watch: In Ashland, a judge dismissed part of a former fire official’s lawsuit over workplace safety claims, saying he didn’t properly notify the city before filing, while other retaliation and discrimination claims remain alive. Health & Access: A new Medicare/Medicaid hemp reimbursement pilot could collide with a looming federal hemp ban that would make many CBD products illegal. Public Safety Funding Pressure: Oregon’s wildfire partners warn that new USDA conditions are hampering federal fire support—right when the next bad season could be here. Local Politics Pulse: A new poll shows Republican Chris Dudley tightening against Gov. Tina Kotek ahead of Oregon’s May 19 primary.

Oregon Politics: A new Hoffman Research poll gives Republican Chris Dudley a narrow edge over Gov. Tina Kotek in the governor’s race—48% to 44%—with most voters saying Oregon is on the wrong track and viewing Kotek unfavorably, setting up a high-stakes May 19 primary. Public Safety & Health: Newport emergency teams ran a major Cascadia Subduction Zone disaster drill, with Oregon Health Authority funding and a focus on medical triage and rural coordination. Legislative Tech & Safety Net: The Legislature’s agreement to upgrade Oregon Trail-era IT for safety-net programs is back in the spotlight as lawmakers push for safer, more reliable systems. Local Governance: Salmonberry Trail governance is shifting, with a May 21 virtual meeting on the 82-mile corridor planning and oversight changes. National Noise, Oregon Angle: Sen. Ron Wyden is blasting a reported Trump IRS settlement plan as a “slush fund,” while Oregon’s own health-care affordability debate continues to heat up.

Israel/Antisemitism Clash: A New York Times report on Israeli soldiers’ sexual torture of Palestinian prisoners triggered a fast, loud backlash—critics say Netanyahu’s camp is using the old “blood libel” charge to deflect from war-crimes scrutiny. Oregon Elections Logistics: With the May 19 primary one week out, Oregon voters are being pushed to use official ballot drop boxes; Marion/Polk have extra sites, and ballots must be in by 8 p.m. Willamette National Cemetery Expansion: Gov. Tina Kotek is urging the VA to rethink a proposed Macleay site, citing groundwater, road, and infrastructure concerns. Local Governance/Trails: The Salmonberry Trail Council will hold a May 21 virtual meeting as governance shifts and OPRD takes on key leasing and railbank responsibilities. Boating Safety: Oregon State Marine Board launches “Oregon Fit to Float” life-jacket education ahead of National Safe Boating Week. EV Rebates: Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate amounts are shrinking as funding tightens, with fewer buyers getting the same level of help.

Oregon sentencing and public safety: A Washington County judge gave Joshua Cory Nealy a life sentence after his 166th arrest record ended with public indecency and theft at Washington Square Mall—Oregon’s “third felony sex crime” law put him beyond parole. State budget pressure: University of Oregon President Karl Scholz says the school needs about $65M in cuts, freezing hiring and pay increases as unions push back. Local government strain: Lane County floated a 2026–27 budget that preserves core services but shifts money toward public safety as revenues shrink. Wildlife funding win: Oregon lawmakers advanced a bipartisan plan to raise the transient lodging tax to fund conservation for threatened species. Water and pollution fight: After years of delay, Oregon finalized a factory-farm permit criticized for falling short on water-protection safeguards. Elections logistics: Jackson County turnout is reported at 16.1% heading into the May 19 primary, with officials urging drop-box returns.

Shelter Push: Gov. Tina Kotek announced $102M in statewide shelter funding awards to 22 regional coordinators, aiming to expand beds and rehouse thousands as Oregon’s homelessness crisis grinds on. Public Safety Reminders: Flags will be lowered to half-staff Friday for National Peace Officers Memorial Day, marking officers who died in the line of duty. Education Spotlight: Salem-Keizer educators took home Crystal Apple Awards, while Oregon’s reading-instruction debate continues to echo through a new profile of an Eastern Oregon University clinic built to fix the state’s literacy gaps. Local Traffic Tension: In Eugene’s River Road, residents are pushing back on reckless e-bike and scooter riders, with police pointing to rules that treat some devices like motor vehicles. Opioid Money: Oregon is set to receive $27M from the opioid settlement as states keep turning litigation into funding. Business/Policy Watch: A court fight over the Kars4Kids jingle in California highlights how charities’ marketing can collide with state disclosure rules.

War Powers Clash: The U.S. Senate rejected a bid to curb war powers on Iran, voting 50-49—keeping pressure on Congress to rein in military action. Oregon Courts: Wildfire survivors asked the Oregon Supreme Court to revive their PacifiCorp case after a procedural setback threatened to send them back to square one. Homelessness & Housing: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced $102M in statewide shelter funding awards, pushing the state’s effort to expand beds and rehouse people. Public Safety: Wasco County is searching for a man who skipped sentencing in a child sex abuse case, while Jackson County prosecutors pursue charges after a Medford-area suspect allegedly posed as a utility worker to attempt a kidnapping. Local Economy: Jackson County received nearly $1M in grants tied to 2020 Almeda Fire recovery, including microgrants and loans for small businesses. Education Shakeup: Portland Community College’s president resigned, with an interim leader stepping in. Health Win: A KGW investigation helped secure VA reversal for an Oregon veteran with a rare muscle disease.

Reproductive care shield goes statewide: Gov. Tina Kotek signed three new Oregon bills to protect reproductive and gender-affirming providers, keep Planned Parenthood clinic funding reimbursed, and expand access to recommended immunizations—aimed at blocking federal interference and reducing cost barriers. Wildfire and water prep ramps up: Ashland launched a “Fire. Water. Get Ready.” campaign as drought and above-normal heat raise the stakes for 2026, while Washington agencies warn fires may burn longer and move faster than a decade ago. Detroit Lake fight heats up: Marion County filed suit to halt a proposed “deep drawdown” of Detroit Lake that’s meant to aid endangered salmon but could harm drinking water and the local economy. Election countdown: Oregon’s May 19 primary is days away, with ballot-return rules tightened by USPS changes. Congressional politics watch: A new poll finds Chris Dudley leading Kotek in a hypothetical general matchup, and the Senate again blocked war-powers limits on Iran as GOP dissent grows.

Oregon Primary Mail Worries: With May 19 looming, Secretary of State Tobias Read is warning that USPS delays could mess up ballot postmarks—especially in eastern, central, and southern Oregon where ballots route through Portland. Election Administration Glitch: Marion County is mailing supplemental ballots after some voters in south Salem and a Turner tiny-house development were sent ballots missing key races/measures. PacifiCorp Wildfire Fight: Oregon property owners are urging the state Supreme Court to reverse a decision that wiped out their wildfire damages verdict against PacifiCorp, arguing the ruling leaves no workable path for class trials. Reproductive Care Shield: Gov. Tina Kotek signed new laws to backfill federal cuts and strengthen Oregon’s “shield” protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Health Update: Oregon overdose deaths fell in 2024 for the first time since 2016, with early 2025 numbers also trending down.